XRP traded near $1.87 on December 31 and into early January, holding a narrow band above the $1.85 support area. Trading volume increased, yet price stayed tight, which often signals positioning ahead of a catalyst.
Traders also monitored the altcoin’s relative performance versus Bitcoin after a rare monthly signal appeared on the XRP/BTC chart.
XRP slipped slightly while activity rose above recent norms, keeping attention on short-term supply overhead. The token struggled to push above the $1.88–$1.89 zone, where sellers have capped rebounds in recent sessions. Consequently, the $1.85 level remains the key support line for trend control on the daily structure.
Derivatives data showed leverage building alongside muted spot direction. Open interest rose to about $3.43 billion, while spot net flows stayed negative near $10.7 million. That mix can tighten ranges, but it can also trigger sharp swings if traders unwind quickly. A firm hold above $1.85 keeps $1.92–$1.93 in view, while a clean break can expose $1.77 next.
On the monthly XRP/BTC chart, the 23-month moving average crossed above the 50-month moving average. Market watchers described the pattern as a golden cross that last appeared ahead of XRP’s 2018 surge. The current ratio hovered near 0.00002116 BTC, which aligns with an XRP price near $1.86 at recent Bitcoin levels.
Analysts tracking the ratio highlighted a prior target zone near 0.00027508 BTC per XRP. If the pair reaches that level and Bitcoin stays near $87,976, the implied XRP price approaches $24. The scenario depends on sustained relative demand, not a broad market sell-off. Still, monthly signals need follow-through, so traders watch upcoming closes for confirmation.
Also Read: Ripple Partner SBI Transfers $703M XRP Ahead of 1 Billion XRP Escrow Unlock
Spot XRP exchange-traded products have recorded net inflows since their mid-November launch. Recent figures put total net assets near $1.2 billion, while cumulative inflows crossed $1 billion. Price action has not fully reflected those flows yet. Even so, the pattern points to steadier allocation than the stop-start moves common in short-term trading.
In Washington, lawmakers have increased focus on the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act. The proposal sets out a market structure framework and divides oversight between the SEC and the CFTC. It also requires coordinated rulemaking and formal studies under set timelines. As a result, market participants have started to factor in clearer operating rules, even before final passage.
Institutional forecasts have also turned more constructive in recent sessions. Standard Chartered reiterated an $8 XRP target for end-2026. The bank linked the outlook to improving U.S. regulatory clarity and broader market access. Near term, traders face a supply event: a 1 billion XRP escrow release on January 1, 2026. Even if the issuer re-locks a portion, the date can amplify volatility when price sits on support.
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